Powerful, Evidence-Backed Ways to Connect With Students in the First Week of School

Start the new school year on the right foot with these research-backed tips.

When instructional coaches also teach in the classroom, they can build mutual trust and respect with teachers.

Teachers can facilitate a strong connection with families in order to provide students with deeper support, in and out of the classroom.

These teacher-approved activities will help create the sort of classroom bonds that pave the way to academic success.

By turning a plain old hallway into a destination that every class visits regularly to tinker and play, a school made limited resources go further and saw student enthusiasm soar.

Teachers can create an environment that is pleasant and welcoming and meets the developmental needs of their students.

Thinking deeply about the previous year before the new one begins can help set teachers up for success.

At this school, nurturing a love of reading begins with book shopping, a practice where students choose books from their classroom libraries to bring home—every week.

Guiding preschool and early elementary students to interact with texts can engage and empower them to develop their reading skills.

Teachers can begin to foster a strong classroom community by having students work together on meaningful activities.